Fleas Part IIPet Type Dog Issue General Health How do I treat my pet for fleas? - There are several ways to treat and protect your pet against fleas.
- Veterinary standard products are available as 'spot-ons', tablets or injections.
- Spot-ons are by far the most popular way of treating against fleas, they can have actions against both adults and the lifecycle, they are easy to apply, non-painful and can be done at home.
- We always advise using products only available from your vet, they work far better than anything from a supermarket or pet shop.
    | There are lots of different products on the market to kill and prevent fleas, your vet will be able to advise you on the best ones for you.
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Veterinary Strength products, which are only available from your vet or pharmacy, are much better than the ones you can buy in the supermarket or from a pet shop for several reasons:
- Veterinary products use modern chemicals to which the fleas are sensitive, products available over the counter often use older drugs which the fleas are resistant to.
- All veterinary products have 100% efficacy at killing fleas, this is not always the case with other flea preparations
- Most veterinary spot-ons also have an effect on the larval or egg stages of the fleas, meaning the life cycle is disrupted. Shop-bought products generally only kill the adult flea, but it will have laid many eggs and when these hatch they will simply re-infest your pet.
- Some veterinary spot-ons will contain ingredients that will also treat the house.
Veterinary strength flea products are more expensive but they are worth it!
What about the house? 95% of the flea infestation in your home is the eggs, pupae and larval stages of the fleas life cycle. It is imperative you treat the house as well as your pet;
- Vacuuming - Give the house a really good vacuum and make sure to move the furniture. Fleas aren't stupid, they hide where is is warm and dark! Hoovering under the furniture will remove a huge amount of the eggs and larvae, and in any cracks in the floor and around the skirting boards.
- Wash anything your pet has contact with that can be easily cleaned, such as their bed or favorite blanket.
- Use a veterinary strength spray on the carpets and any soft furnishings. They stop any remaining eggs from being able to develop and kill the adult flea. Most are effective for a whole year, so once it is done fleas cannot develop in your house for a full 12 months!
- Don't forget the car! Treat the car, caravan, garage and anywhere else where you pet goes to ensure all the fleas are killed
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|  | Use veterinary flea sprays on any carpets and soft furnishings, they can prevent fleas developing for up to a year
| Give the whole house a really good vacuum, especially underneath the furniture. | Don't forget anywhere else your pet may go, such as the car, caravan or garage.
| Please note, this is an advice only website. If you have any specific queries about your pet, please contact your vet.
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